Electrolyzer utilizing waste fuel and thermoelectric module

ABSTRACT

A novel electrolyzer utilizing direct conversion of heat to electrical energy and heat production by waste fuel combustion is disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,048 Coffey, Jr., Ray S., Cox, Jacob D., Sep. 7, 2010

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to electrolyzers, specifically to such electrolyzers that power generators and internal combustion engines.

2. Background of the Invention

Electrolyzers can be employed to run internal combustion engines and associated electrical generators. U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,048 to Coffey and Cox (2010) discloses a method of producing energy from electrolyzer gases and returning the reformed water to the electrolyzer. Input of additional energy from the burning of waste fuel into the system was not addressed in this patent. Likewise, the recovery of heat energy and conversion into electrical energy to further power the electrolyzer was not considered. The invention disclosed herein incorporates both of these novel features.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the electrolyzer described in my above patent, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

(a) to provide thermoelectric conversion of heat in the water after reformation as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,048;

(b) to provide an additional source of heat energy by burning waste material to heat the water;

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention a thermoelectric module to convert heat into electricity and a waste material burning unit to provide additional heat energy are attached to an electrolyzer such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,048.

DRAWING

FIG. I is a side view of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. I Preferred Embodiment

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. I (side view). Electrolyzer enclosure 1 contains water with a 25% sodium hydroxide content whose top surface 2 is contained within. Stainless steel anode 3 is a hollow pipe immersed in the water bath and which conducts the released gas to the internal combustion engine of U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,048. Anode 3 passes through funnel 7 which facilitates collection of the gas. Anode 3 is equipped with apertures 5 to further aid in gas collection. Cathode 4 is also a hollow stainless steel pipe with apertures 6 and passes through funnel 8. Cathode 4 conducts the released gas to the internal combustion engine of U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,048. Divider 24 separates the anode section of the electrolyzer 1 from the cathode section of electrolyzer 1.

Electrical energy flows from the exterior of anode 3 to the anode 10 of battery 9 by wire 12. Electrical energy flows from the exterior of cathode 4 to the cathode 11 of battery 9 by wire 13.

Heating tank 14 receives the water reformed by the internal combustion engine in U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,048 via pipe 16. The water in tank 14 has water surface 17. The water in tank 14 is provided with additional heat energy by waste fuel combustor 18. Heat energy in the water in tank 14 is converted to electrical energy by thermoelectric peltier junction module 19. Electrical energy at anode 20 of the thermoelectric module flows to anode 10 of battery 9 via wire 22. Electrical energy at cathode 21 of the thermoelectric module flows to cathode 11 of battery 9 via wire 23. The water cooled by the thermoelectric process flows to electrolyzer 1 via pipe 15. 

1. An electrolyzer, the improvement wherein said electrolyzer is connected to a thermoelectric module.
 2. The electrolyzer of claim 1 wherein said electrolyzer thermoelectric module is thermally connected to a waste fuel burner.
 3. The electrolyzer of claim 1 wherein said electrolyzer anode and cathode are perforated stainless steel pipes. 